Nothing brings on the holiday spirit like twinkling lights, festive music, and a warm drink in hand—especially here in Central Ohio, where local attractions and neighborhoods go all out for the season.

Whether you love a cozy drive-through experience, a walk-through wonderland, or a guided tour downtown, there’s a holiday light display waiting for you.

Here’s your go-to list of 2025’s best holiday light displays in Columbus and the surrounding areas:

🎄 Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

📍 Powell
🗓️ Nov. 22 – Jan. 5 | 5 p.m. – close

One of Central Ohio’s most beloved traditions, Wildlights! transforms the Columbus Zoo into a glowing wonderland. Millions of LED lights, animated music shows, Santa visits, and festive treats await. It’s a magical way to see the animals and celebrate the season.
👉 Get tickets

🌟 Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

📍 Columbus
🗓️ Nov. 23 – Jan. 5 | 5–9 p.m. (weeknights), 5–10 p.m. (weekends)

Wander through dazzling topiary light displays, a rainbow tunnel, ornament trees, and more—all inside the beautiful Conservatory. Holiday Blooms exhibits and the annual gingerbread competition add even more cheer.
👉 Get tickets

🎅 Downtown Delaware: Home for the Holidays

📍 Downtown Delaware
🗓️ Dec. 5–7, 2025 🌟 Lights stay up through the holiday season!

Historic Downtown Delaware transforms into a charming holiday village during this multi-day celebration filled with lights, music, skating, Santa, and more. It kicks off with tree lighting festivities on Friday, Dec. 5, featuring live performances, carriage rides, vendors, and reindeer. Don’t miss the free ice skating rink behind the Welcome Center, open all weekend long!

✨ Highlights Include:
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m)
Free Skating Rink (Dec. 5–7)
Visits with Santa at the Welcome Center
Carriage Rides ($2 per person, Dec. 5)
Dash for Dasher scavenger hunt (Dec. 6)
The Great Gingerbread Build-Off (Dec. 6 at COhatch)
Light the Night Christmas Parade (Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.)

It’s a weekend full of small-town magic, family fun, and glowing holiday spirit. Bonus: the lights stay up throughout the season, so you can return anytime for a peaceful evening stroll under the twinkle of Sandusky Street.

👉 Learn more at Main Street Delaware

🚗 Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

📍 Delaware/Alum Creek State Park
🗓️ Nov. 22 – Jan. 1 | 5:30–9 p.m. (weeknights), 5:30–10 p.m. (weekends)

Enjoy a cozy 3-mile drive-through light experience from the comfort of your car. With tunnels of twinkling lights and festive radio tunes, it’s a perfect family outing—no snow boots required.
👉 Learn more

✨ Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus

📍 Downtown Columbus
🗓️ Nov. 22 – Mar. 2 | 5 – 11 p.m.

This brand-new walkable lights display connects Columbus Commons to Bicentennial Park with over half a million lights. Enjoy a festive stroll with to-go drinks via the new DORA, or warm up with free hot cocoa on Festive Fridays in December.
👉 More info

🌲 Gahanna Creekside Park Lights Display

📍 Gahanna
🗓️ Begins Nov. 23

Part of the Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration, this light display features over 300,000 synchronized lights in Creekside Park—plus a tree lighting, parade, and Santa sightings. Free family fun in the heart of Gahanna.

❄️ Winter Wonder Walks at Dawes Arboretum

📍 Newark
🗓️ Dec. 6–21 (Thurs.–Sun.) | 6–9 p.m.

Bundle up for a guided illuminated walk through the peaceful Parkwoods Trail. Enjoy music, food trucks, coffee, and even a visit from Santa. Three timed entries nightly keep it festive, not crowded.
👉 Get tickets

🛍️ Easton Town Center Grand Illumination & Holiday Lights

📍 Columbus
🗓️ Lights begin Nov. 22

Easton goes big for the holidays with millions of lights, an iconic Grand Illumination, and festive decor throughout the shopping district. It’s the perfect place to check off your gift list and snap a few magical photos.

🚎 Holiday Light Tours (Downtown Columbus)

If you’re looking to experience the lights in style, book a guided tour with one of these fun options:

🛴 SegAway Holiday Lights Tour

🗓️ Nov. 30 – Dec. 23 | 6 & 8:30 p.m.
Glide through the Scioto Mile, Arena District, and Columbus Commons while listening to holiday music via wireless headset.
👉 Get tickets

🛷 Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour

🗓️ Nov. 22 – Jan. 4 | 6 p.m. daily
Ride in a heated, enclosed electric trolley with BYOB options, stopping at The Short North, Bicentennial Park, and more. Family-friendly and festive!
👉 Book your spot

🚌 Wanderlights Trolley Tour

🗓️ Dec. 6, 13, & 20 | 5 – 9 p.m.
Hop on a free trolley tour through all the Wanderlights stops, plus a special visit to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Donations encouraged.

🛍️ BONUS: Free Trolley Hop

📍 Downtown Columbus
🗓️ Dec. 7 | 1 – 6 p.m.

Celebrate the season with a free family-friendly ride through downtown Columbus. Expect shopping, holiday programming, and plenty of festive energy.

🎁 Wrapping It All Up

From dazzling walk-throughs to cozy car rides and trolley tours, Central Ohio shines bright with holiday magic. Whether you’re a Columbus local or just visiting for the season, these light displays offer something for everyone—warm drinks, cool lights, and unforgettable memories.

Happy holidays from all of us at Crunelle Insurance!

If you’re hitting the road to see the lights, don’t forget to double-check your auto and home insurance so your season stays merry and bright.

👉 Need help reviewing your policy? Contact us here